Why does the name ‘Tim Tebow’ come with so much controversy? Is it because he’s outspoken about his faith?
If so, then why didn’t we hear that criticism for Kurt Warner? I remember seeing him wearing a shirt in practice that read, “Yes, I believe in God,” and we heard him yell from the podium as he thanked his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for giving him the chance to win on the big stage.
Warner had one of the most unique and best made-for-Hollywood-stories ever, and that’s without his faith. Here is a guy that just a couple years before winning a Super Bowl was bagging groceries for $5.50 an hour. Then you bring in the “religion” factor and Warner’s faith made him even more likeable. Everybody appreciated the humility as he rose to the top. Actually, on second thought, his script is too good for Hollywood. Did I mention he also took the Cardinals to the Super Bowl?
There are several examples of athletes who were outspoken about their faith. Warner is among a handful.
Have we changed as society so much since Warner’s career that all the sudden, it’s a negative thing to believe in a higher power? Why is it a bad thing for a man not to lean on his own strength?
Unfortunately, in today’s sports we have far too many people whose egos are so big they can’t admit their athletic abilities and talents are a gift. They think they created those things themselves. You didn’t have that with Warner and I have yet to see that with Tebow.
In fact, quite the contrary. In the picture above, written in Tebow’s eye black is the scripture reference Ephesians 2:8-10 which reads “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
I admit, I do have doubts about Tebow, but they’re strictly football related. Let’s not mix the two because they are two entirely different discussions. I wonder about his mechanics and accuracy but I’ve never questioned his work ethic, loyalty or the sincerity of his faith. I’m willing to be proven wrong, and in fact, I welcome it with open arms.
Hopefully he continues to do well off the field as well. If there’s ever an interview where he doesn’t thank the Lord or if he ever passes up an autograph for a kid, he’ll get ridiculed up and down and people may not even listen to his side.
So why the all the controversy? I don’t think it’s because he’s religious. I think it’s because he’s an outspoken Christian.
Our society has become so politically correct these days that people we’re so worried about offending people, especially when it comes to other religions. My point is if Tebow was an outspoken Muslim, he wouldn’t be getting criticized like he is. In fact, I bet you they’d feature him on that show titled “All American Muslim.”
From what I’ve seen so far, it appears Tebow takes the criticism as a compliment. Maybe he considers it a joy when facing trials and tribulations.
